Loganair

Loganair is widely recognized as "Scotland's Airline," serving as a vital lifeline that connects remote island communities with the mainland and major business centers across the United Kingdom. Founded in the early 1960s, it has evolved from a small air taxi service into the UK's largest regional airline by passenger numbers, renowned for its friendly service and operational resilience in challenging weather conditions. Beyond its essential commuter routes, the carrier is famous for operating unique flights, including the world's only scheduled service that lands on a tidal beach runway at Barra. Whether traveling for business or exploring the rugged beauty of the Highlands and Islands, passengers rely on this airline for its extensive network and commitment to regional connectivity.

Fleet and Operations
Loganair operates a diverse fleet tailored to the specific needs of its varied network. The airline utilizes reliable turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 42 and ATR 72, which are highly efficient for short regional hops and island landings. For longer domestic routes connecting cities like Southampton and Manchester, the carrier employs Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets, offering a faster and more comfortable service. Their most iconic aircraft remains the DHC-6 Twin Otter, specifically deployed for the unique beach landings in the Outer Hebrides.

Key Routes and Connectivity
The airline plays a crucial role in the UK's transport infrastructure, linking the north of Scotland with major English cities. Frequent services connect Edinburgh and Glasgow to remote destinations like Stornoway and Kirkwall. Additionally, the carrier has expanded its reach south of the border, offering convenient connections from London to regional commercial centers such as Dundee and providing essential links to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, including Saint Helier and St Peter Port.

Commitment to Service and Safety
Loganair prides itself on a strong safety record and a community-centered mission. It has received numerous industry accolades, including the "Airline of the Year" award from the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), recognizing its dedication to maintaining connectivity during difficult periods. The company emphasizes inclusivity and reliability, ensuring that even the most remote communities remain accessible to the wider world.

Travelers in the United Arab Emirates should be aware that Loganair operates exclusively as a regional carrier within the UK and Europe and does not fly directly to the UAE. Consequently, the airline does not maintain a local office, ticket counter, or dedicated customer service team in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates. If your itinerary includes a Loganair connection booked through a major partner airline—such as British Airways or Emirates—it is essential to contact that operating carrier for any immediate assistance, check-in queries, or itinerary changes while you are still in the UAE.

Official Website
For the most current travel updates, online check-in options, and access to customer support forms, please visit the official website: www.loganair.co.uk

Contact Information

• Customer Service (International): +44 141 642 9407
  Please note that international calling rates from the UAE will apply. Support is typically available from 07:00 to 18:00 (Mon-Fri), 08:00 to 15:00 (Sat), and 10:00 to 18:00 (Sun) UK time.
• Online Support: For written inquiries and assistance, passengers are advised to use the "Help Centre" contact form located on the official website.
• Mobile App: The Loganair App is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, offering a convenient way to manage bookings and access digital boarding passes once you are within the network.

Social Media
For quick updates and alternative ways to stay informed, you can follow the airline on their official social media channels:

• Facebook: Loganair
• X (Twitter): @FlyLoganair
• Instagram: @flyloganair
• LinkedIn: Loganair Limited

Ground Assistance in the UAE
As Loganair does not operate flights to the United Arab Emirates, there are no Loganair staff members or service desks at airports in the region. All ground handling services, including baggage drop and document checks for your initial flight, are managed by the codeshare partner airline (e.g., Emirates, British Airways) operating the first leg of your journey.

Emergency & Special Assistance
For urgent issues regarding lost baggage or special travel needs (such as wheelchair assistance) initiating from the UAE, please coordinate directly with your booking airline. If you require assistance after arriving in the UK, you may visit a local Loganair ticket desk at your connecting airport or call the international support line.

Understanding the baggage policy is essential when flying with Loganair, especially given the unique nature of their fleet and the remote destinations they serve. Unlike larger international carriers, Loganair operates smaller aircraft where space is at a premium. Their allowances are designed to balance passenger comfort with the operational requirements of regional flying. Whether you are heading to a business meeting in Southampton or embarking on an island-hopping adventure, familiarizing yourself with these rules will ensure a smooth journey.

Carry-On Baggage Allowances
All passengers traveling on Loganair services are entitled to a cabin baggage allowance, though strict size and weight limits apply to ensure items fit in the overhead lockers or under seats. Generally, passengers can bring one main cabin bag weighing up to 6kg. The dimensions for this bag must not exceed 40cm x 35cm x 18cm. In addition to the main bag, you are also permitted a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, which must be stowed beneath the seat in front of you. Due to the compact size of aircraft like the Twin Otter, cabin bags may occasionally need to be placed in the hold upon boarding; this is a standard procedure known as "Delivery at Aircraft."

Checked Baggage Limits
Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the fare type purchased. It is important to verify your specific ticket conditions before packing:

• Fly Fare: Typically includes one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15kg.
• Fly Flex Fare: Offers a more generous allowance, usually permitting one bag weighing up to 23kg.
• Fly Flex +: Designed for maximum flexibility, this tier typically offers a higher weight allowance, such as a total of 30kg, which may be split across multiple bags depending on the specific route rules.

Excess Baggage Fees
If you plan to travel with more than your allocated allowance, it is highly recommended to book extra weight in advance. Purchasing additional baggage allowance online prior to your flight is significantly cheaper than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. Fees are charged per one-way trip and can accumulate quickly if handled at the check-in desk. If your bag exceeds the standard weight limit for a single item (usually 32kg), it will not be accepted for carriage due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers.

Special Items: Sports Equipment and Instruments
Loganair welcomes passengers traveling with sports equipment, such as golf clubs, fishing rods, or bicycles, as well as musical instruments. However, space in the hold is limited.

• Booking Requirement: You must notify the airline and book these items in advance, as carriage is subject to availability.
• Fees: A handling fee typically applies to sports equipment and large musical instruments carried in the hold.
• Packaging: All items must be securely packed in protective cases to prevent damage during transit. Bicycles usually require the handlebars to be fixed sideways and pedals removed.

Restricted and Prohibited Items
Safety is the top priority. Passengers are strictly prohibited from packing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids, and oxidizers in either carry-on or checked luggage. Lithium batteries must be carried in your cabin bag and never in the hold. For carry-on liquids, the standard rule applies: liquids, gels, and pastes must be in containers of 100ml or less, placed inside a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.

Tips for Packing Efficiently
Flying on regional aircraft requires a smart approach to packing.

• Choose Soft Bags: Soft-shell duffel bags or backpacks are often easier to stow in tighter hold spaces than rigid, hard-shell suitcases.
• Layer Up: If you are flying between cities like Manchester and the Scottish Islands, wear your heaviest coat and boots to save weight in your luggage.
• Keep Essentials Close: Always pack medication, travel documents, and valuables in your small personal item, as your larger cabin bag might be moved to the hold at the gate.

Loganair understands that pets are part of the family, especially for those living in remote communities across the UK. While the airline accommodates cats and dogs on many of its domestic routes, strict safety regulations apply to their carriage. Generally, pets must travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage, as the cabin is reserved exclusively for humans and assistance dogs.

Transport Options

In cabin (carry-on)

Loganair enforces a strict policy regarding cabin travel to ensure passenger safety and comfort on its regional aircraft.

• Allowed pet types: Only recognized assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin. All other pets (cats, dogs, household animals) are strictly prohibited from the cabin environment.
• Carrier dimensions: Not applicable for standard pets. Assistance dogs travel on a harness or mat in the footwell.
• Maximum pet weight: No specific weight limit for assistance dogs, provided they can be accommodated safely in the floor space.
• Limit per passenger: One assistance dog per passenger is the standard allowance.

In cargo hold (checked baggage)

For most travelers flying with pets between cities like Glasgow and the islands, the cargo hold is the designated travel method. This area is heated and pressurized on suitable aircraft.

• Container/crate requirements: Animals must travel in a rigid, IATA-approved travel container. Soft-sided bags are not accepted. The crate must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Weight and size limits: The combined weight of the pet and container is typically accepted up to 32kg. The crate dimensions must fit through the cargo door of the specific aircraft type (e.g., ATR or ERJ).
• Temperature restrictions: Carriage may be restricted during extreme weather conditions (very hot or very cold) if the ground temperature poses a risk during loading and unloading.
• Required documentation: A completed "Pet Carriage Form" is usually required at check-in.

As cargo (for large animals)

For larger pets or specific logistical needs, utilizing the cargo service is necessary.

• When this option is required: If the combined weight of the pet and crate exceeds 32kg, or if the pet is traveling unaccompanied (without the owner on the same flight).
• Special requirements: These bookings are handled by Loganair's cargo partners and require distinct airway bills.
• Booking procedure: Cargo bookings must be made well in advance through the airline's freight department or a specialized pet shipping agent.

Required Documentation

To ensure a smooth journey from Aberdeen or other hubs, ensure you have the following:

• Veterinary passport: Essential for identification and medical history.
• Health certificate: A statement from a vet confirming the animal is fit to fly, typically issued within a specific window before travel (often 10 days).
• Vaccinations: Up-to-date records, specifically for rabies if traveling from outside the UK (though Loganair is primarily domestic, rules apply for connecting passengers).
• International certificates: Required if the journey involves crossing international borders or specific zones like the Channel Islands (Saint Helier) or the Isle of Man (Douglas) where local regulations may differ.

Service Costs

Fees for pet travel are charged per sector and must be paid prior to the flight.

• In-cabin fee: Free of charge for recognized assistance dogs.
• Cargo hold fee: Approximately £50 to £80 per one-way journey, depending on the route and booking channel.
• Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary if booked at the airport versus in advance.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier requirements: Ensure the crate has a secure locking mechanism and a water bowl attached to the door. Label the crate clearly with your name and contact details.
• Feeding before flight: Feed your pet a light meal about 4 hours before departure to prevent travel sickness, but ensure they are hydrated.
• Stress reduction tips: Place a familiar blanket or toy inside the crate to comfort the animal. Avoid sedating pets unless specifically advised by a vet, as it can affect their breathing at altitude.

Restrictions

Certain limitations apply to protect animal welfare and operational safety.

• Prohibited breeds: Aggressive breeds (e.g., Pitbull Terriers) are generally prohibited. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs may face restrictions due to breathing difficulties at high altitudes.
• Prohibited animals: Rodents, reptiles, and other exotic animals are rarely accepted as checked baggage.
• Exceptions: Fully trained assistance dogs are exempt from breed and cabin restrictions, provided they meet safety criteria.

Important: Space for pets in the hold is strictly limited on smaller aircraft. It is strongly recommended to contact Loganair directly to confirm availability and current rules before booking your ticket.

Loganair Loyalty: Rewards with Avios

Loganair rewards its frequent flyers through its dedicated program, Loganair Loyalty. This scheme uses Avios as its rewards currency, offering significant value for passengers. By joining Loganair Loyalty, travelers can collect points on their regional journeys and utilize them within a broader global ecosystem. This structure is particularly beneficial for international passengers, such as those traveling from the UAE, as it bridges the gap between essential UK regional connections and wider international networks.

Earning Avios with Loganair Loyalty

To start collecting points, passengers must become members of the Loganair Loyalty program. Avios are awarded on every eligible scheduled flight operated by the airline.

• Flight Accumulation: Whether you are flying on a commuter route from Southampton to Edinburgh or taking a business trip to Manchester, your journey contributes to your balance. The number of Avios earned typically depends on the distance flown and the fare type purchased.
• Membership Requirement: Unlike previous schemes, you must hold a Loganair Loyalty account to earn points directly on these services. Simply quote your membership number at the time of booking.

Integration with British Airways Executive Club

A standout feature of Loganair Loyalty is its partnership with the British Airways Executive Club. While they are separate accounts, members have the option to link them, providing greater flexibility for travelers connecting via hubs like London.

• Linking Accounts: Members can link their Loganair Loyalty account with their British Airways Executive Club account. This functionality allows for the transfer of Avios between the two programs.
• Transferring Points: This integration means that Avios earned on a regional flight to Aberdeen can be moved to your British Airways account and combined with points earned on international flights, or vice versa.
• Tier Points: While Avios are the currency for rewards, frequent flyers should check current program terms regarding Tier Points, which help in attaining higher status levels within the partner alliance.

Redeeming Rewards

The Avios collected through Loganair Loyalty can be used to book flights across the airline’s comprehensive network.

• Reward Flights: Members can redeem their Avios for full reward flights to various destinations, including the Scottish islands and major cities like Newcastle upon Tyne.
• Part Payment: For added flexibility, the program often allows members to use Avios to pay for part of the cash fare, making it easier to save on travel costs even if you haven't accumulated enough points for a full ticket.
• Planning Ahead: Reward seats are subject to availability. It is advisable to book well in advance, particularly for travel during peak seasons or to popular holiday spots like Saint Helier.

How to Join

Participating in the program is simple and free.

• Sign Up: Travelers can register for a Loganair Loyalty account directly on the airline's official website.
• Connect: Once registered, you can log in to your account settings to link your British Airways Executive Club details, ensuring a seamless experience for managing your Avios balance across both airlines.

Loganair operates as a dedicated regional airline, focusing on efficiency and essential connectivity rather than the multi-class luxury found on long-haul international carriers. As such, the airline offers a single-class cabin configuration across its entire fleet. There are no separate Business or First Class cabins with curtains or dividers. However, the service is designed to meet the needs of both leisure travelers and business commuters through a tiered fare structure—Fly, Fly Flex, and Fly Flex +—which allows passengers to tailor their experience with perks like increased baggage allowance, fast-track security, and lounge access at select airports.

Seat Configurations and Comfort

The onboard experience is defined by the unique aircraft types used to navigate the UK's diverse geography. The cabin interiors are practical, clean, and designed for short hops.

• Embraer Regional Jets: On routes connecting major hubs like Aberdeen and Manchester, you will likely fly on an Embraer 145. These jets feature a 1-2 seating layout, meaning every passenger has either a window or an aisle seat—there are no middle seats. This configuration is highly appreciated by business travelers for the added privacy and personal space.
• ATR Turboprops: The ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft, often seen on flights to Saint Helier or Southampton, typically have a 2-2 configuration. While compact, the leather seats provide adequate legroom for flight durations that rarely exceed 90 minutes.
• Twin Otter: For the unique beach landings and island hops, the cabin is much smaller (approx. 19 seats) with a 1-2 layout. These flights are more about the scenic experience than luxury comfort.

In-Flight Dining and Refreshments

Despite the short duration of most flights, Loganair maintains a charming tradition of Scottish hospitality. Unlike many modern low-cost carriers that charge for every item, Loganair offers a complimentary in-flight service.

• Scottish Snacks: Passengers are treated to a selection of complimentary local snacks. The airline is famous for serving Tunnock's Caramel Wafers, a beloved Scottish treat that has become a signature part of the Loganair experience.
• Beverages: A choice of complimentary tea and coffee is available on most routes, along with water and soft drinks. On select longer evening services, a miniature wine or beer may be offered, though this varies by route and flight time.

Entertainment and Amenities

Given the regional nature of the flights, the aircraft are not equipped with seatback screens, Wi-Fi, or power outlets. The entertainment is often the view outside the window, especially when flying over the Highlands or the coastlines near Edinburgh. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own books or download content to their personal devices before boarding. An in-flight magazine is usually available in the seat pocket, featuring lifestyle articles, route maps, and information about destinations like Newcastle upon Tyne and Douglas.

Special Services

Loganair is committed to making travel accessible for everyone, offering specific services for those who need extra help or support.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM): Comprehensive assistance is available for passengers with disabilities. This ranges from help at check-in to boarding lifts for aircraft where stairs are the standard entry method. It is crucial to request this assistance at least 48 hours before your flight.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Please note that Loganair does not provide a designated chaperone service for children traveling alone. Youths aged 12 to 15 are classified as young adults and may travel unaccompanied, but they must be booked on an adult fare. Parents or guardians should ensure the young traveler is comfortable managing their journey independently, including any necessary connections.
• Air Discount Scheme: Loganair actively participates in the Air Discount Scheme (ADS), a government initiative designed to support residents of Scotland's remotest communities. This scheme offers eligible residents significantly reduced fares on core routes, acting as a vital lifeline for medical appointments, education, and family visits.

Loganair operates a comprehensive network centered on its hub in Aberdeen, serving as a critical link for the UK's regional connectivity. The airline focuses on connecting the Scottish Highlands and Islands with major commercial centers, ensuring reliable transport for both remote communities and business travelers.

Flying with Loganair offers a unique opportunity to explore the United Kingdom, connecting major cities with some of the most remote and scenic communities. To secure the best fares, it is highly advisable to book your tickets well in advance, ideally several weeks before your planned travel date. This is particularly important for popular routes, such as the connection between Southampton and Edinburgh, or flights operating out of the airline's main hub in Aberdeen, where demand can be high.

To find the most attractive deals, keep an eye on the airline's official website for seasonal promotions and consider subscribing to their newsletter. If you are planning a visit to the Channel Islands, look for competitive rates on flights to Saint Helier or St Peter Port. For added convenience, download the Loganair mobile app. It provides a user-friendly platform to search for flights, manage your bookings, and access mobile boarding passes, making your journey smoother from start to finish.

Make use of the online check-in service, which typically opens 96 hours before scheduled departure. Checking in early not only saves time at the airport but also gives you the best chance to select your preferred seat. Whether you are flying into Manchester, London, or Glasgow, selecting a window seat can offer stunning views of the British landscape, while an aisle seat ensures quicker disembarkation.

Since regional weather conditions can occasionally impact flight schedules, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover any unforeseen disruptions. Furthermore, if you are connecting through airports like Newcastle upon Tyne or heading to Douglas on the Isle of Man, be sure to check baggage allowances carefully, as smaller regional aircraft may have different restrictions compared to larger international carriers.

Loganair, often referred to as "Scotland’s Airline," has a rich heritage that dates back to 1962. It was originally founded by Willie Logan of the Duncan Logan Construction Company, primarily to serve as an air taxi service for moving key staff between building sites across Scotland. Based initially at Renfrew Airport and later moving to Glasgow, the airline quickly identified a vital need for connectivity in the remote Highlands and Islands. By the late 1960s, it had begun operating scheduled services, including the now-legendary Orkney Inter-Island route, which features the world’s shortest scheduled commercial flight between Westray and Papa Westray—a journey that can take as little as 47 seconds.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Loganair cemented its reputation as a lifeline for island communities. It took over ambulance flights and mail delivery services, ensuring that remote areas remained connected to the mainland. A significant operational milestone was the introduction of services to Barra, where the airline utilizes the famous Traigh Mhòr beach as a runway. This operation, flown by the rugged DHC-6 Twin Otter, remains the only scheduled flight in the world to land regularly on tidal sands, subject to the ebb and flow of the tide.

In the early 1990s, the airline entered a transformative era of partnerships. In 1994, Loganair became a franchise partner of British Airways, painting its aircraft in the British Airways livery and operating flights under their brand code. This relationship integrated the Scottish regional network into a global system, significantly raising service standards. Following the conclusion of this agreement in 2008, Loganair entered a similar franchise arrangement with Flybe. For nearly a decade, it operated its extensive network under the Flybe brand, further expanding its reach into English cities like Manchester and Birmingham.

A pivotal moment in the company's history occurred in 2017, when Loganair separated from Flybe to operate once again as a fully independent carrier. This "solo" relaunch saw the return of the Loganair brand, featuring a distinctive tartan tail livery that celebrates its Scottish roots. The transition marked a renewed focus on customer service and reliability. Following the collapse of other regional carriers, Loganair stepped in to safeguard essential connectivity across the UK, becoming the country's largest regional airline by passenger numbers and fleet size.

The evolution of the fleet mirrors the airline's growth. From early piston-engine aircraft like the Piper Aztec and Britten-Norman Islander, the carrier moved to turboprops such as the Shorts 360 and the Saab 340. The Saab 340, in particular, was the workhorse of the fleet for decades, reliably navigating the challenging Scottish weather. In recent years, the airline has undertaken a major fleet modernization program, retiring the aging Saabs in favor of more efficient and environmentally friendly ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops, alongside Embraer ERJ-145 jets for longer routes connecting cities like Southampton and Edinburgh.

Today, Loganair continues to innovate while maintaining its community-focused ethos. It has expanded its network well beyond Scotland, establishing a strong presence in Newcastle upon Tyne, the Isle of Man, and even connecting London to Northern Ireland and Scotland. The airline is also at the forefront of sustainable aviation research, actively participating in projects aiming to introduce electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft to its short island-hopping routes in the future, ensuring that its legacy of connecting remote communities endures for generations to come.